Florida’s Back-to-School Tax Holiday Is Still Going
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Pensacola-area shoppers have through August 20 to buy qualifying clothes, school supplies and personal computers without sales tax.
Escambia County public school students return Wednesday, August 12, but Florida’s 2026 back-to-school sales tax holiday continues through Thursday, August 20.
That gives Pensacola-area families extra time to purchase qualifying school supplies, clothing and computers without Florida sales tax—even after the first bell rings.
The exemption is automatic at Florida retailers. Shoppers do not need a coupon or application, and retailers cannot opt out.
What is tax-free through August 20?
The Florida Department of Revenue lists four main categories:
Clothing, footwear, wallets and qualifying bags priced at $100 or less per item. Backpacks, handbags, fanny packs and diaper bags qualify.
Certain school supplies priced at $50 or less per item, including notebooks, binders, pencils, pens, folders, lunch boxes, rulers and scissors.
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles priced at $30 or less per item.
Personal computers and qualifying computer accessories priced at $1,500 or less per item when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
Qualifying computer items include laptops, desktops, tablets, e-readers, printers, routers, headphones, webcams, flash drives and nonrecreational software.
Common items that remain taxable
Price limits apply to each item, not the total transaction. A $105 pair of shoes does not qualify simply because the overall order includes less expensive exempt items.
Cellphones, video game consoles, televisions, digital cameras, computer bags, printer paper, sports helmets and protective pads are among the items that remain taxable. Briefcases, suitcases and garment bags are also excluded.
The holiday does not cover rentals, repairs or alterations. Eligible merchandise sold inside an airport, public lodging establishment, theme park or entertainment complex is also excluded.
Online orders and discounts can qualify
Eligible online purchases qualify when the seller accepts the order during the holiday for immediate shipment, even if delivery happens later.
Store discounts can bring an item’s sales price below the qualifying cap. Manufacturer coupons generally do not because the retailer is reimbursed for that discount.
Escambia County’s first day of school is August 12, according to the district’s approved calendar. Families who discover a missing notebook, uniform piece or computer accessory after school starts can still use the tax break through August 20.
Check the Department of Revenue’s official item list before making a larger purchase.
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